It’s Thursday, so it must be “read Derek’s column in Wake Forest Today day.”

This week’s contribution is, “I Have a Story – if You’re Willing to Listen“. I cover the “writer-as-speaker” phenomenon, my commitment to “never let my stories grow old,” and the critical role community plays in what it means to live a healthy life.

Here’s the tease: “One fun side effect of being a writer is the occasional invitation to speak. The assumption is that anyone who can write an interesting sentence or two must also be capable of standing in front of an audience without putting them to sleep! Of course, that’s not always the case – but you’re more than welcome to take the risk sometime, just to see.” click here for more….

ASHES, ASHES… Wednesday at WFPC turned out to be an interesting juxtaposition of solemnity and uproarious fun. We had two deeply meaningful Ash Wednesday observances and also – on the more festive side – a pancake dinner sponsored by our awesome youth.

For me, the two worked together well. The dynamic life represented by almost 300 laughing, chattering, enthusiastic, loving people milling around the CLC becomes possible only in the context of the long road to Good Friday, signified by the mark of the cross.

Together it marks the perfect trajectory into the season of Lent. Jesus is the light of the world, and darkness doesn’t stand even the vaguest chance against our witness to life and light. “Among these people you shine like stars in the world because you hold on to the word of life” (Philippians 2:15-16).

LIFE: Holding on; holding tight. We really are “holding on to the word of life” around here, holding on for dear life. And it is our intention, it is our mission, to shine like stars.

– DEREK